OBUH BLASTS OVER ROUGH TACKLES

Flying Eagles of Nigeria coach, John Obuh, has appealed to referees to protect the players at the Copa de la Republica tournament in Panama preparatory the U20 World Cup in Colombia next week.

Obuh

“The referees should protect the players because they were allowing so many rough tackles even though the World Cup is just around the corner,” said Obuh immediately his team held hosts Panama to a 0-0 draw in Panama City Monday night.

Both skipper Kenneth Omeruo and impressive goalkeeper Kazim Yekini came off the worst for it against the home team with Umeruo picking up a knock he will need to shake up before the match against Portugal Wednesday night.

Referee Jaffeth Perea, who disallowed two Nigerian goals in the second half, only booked goalkeeper Yekini throughout a bruising contest.

Yekini was booked after he handled the ball outside his box in the 25^th minute, when he rushed out to foil a Panama striker clear on goal.

Obuh rated Panama as good team, but disclosed his team including VVV Venlo forward Ahmed Musa were trying to be cautious to avoid injuries before the World Cup.

“This was Ahmed Musa’s first game with us since he joined us at the weekend. We were all trying to be cautious and are still preparing for the World Cup and I’m sure there is room for improvement,” the coach said.

Panama will clash with another African team Egypt in Group E of the World Cup in Colombia with Obuh predicting a good contest.

“I expect to see a less physical game than what we saw when we played against Panama. Egypt and Panama are both good teams and it should be more a battle of tactics and skills than brawn,” said Obuh.